Body

8 Benefits of Going to the Beach

Almost everybody loves going to the beach. Turns out, there’s a reason! A day at the beach is not only fun, but it’s also incredibly good for your body. Here are 8 health benefits of heading to the beach.

1. It’s better to walk on sand.

Like walking barefoot on the sand? So does your body! Walking in sand stimulates the 200,000+ nerve endings on the soles of your feet. Because the ground beneath you is constantly shifting, you also use muscles in your feet you don’t use when you’re wearing shoes so you burn more calories. In fact, it takes double the energy to walk on sand than on a hard surface – so it’s great exercise!

2. The beach is good for your skin.

The sand isn’t just good for your feet! Sand is a natural exfoliant, so it rubs away dead skin and lets your pores breathe – clearing away blackheads and acne. But that’s not the only way the beach is good for your skin. The sun’s UV rays also dry out the skin, which is great for people who suffer from psoriasis. The salt and potassium chloride in seawater also helps heal dermatitis, a skin rash. Plus, seawater helps preserve the elasticity of the skin and contains magnesium which moisturizes your skin.

3. The sound of the ocean soothes you.

There’s a reason sound machines that lull you to sleep all have ocean soundtracks. Listening to waves crash against the shore can actually alter your brain waves, lulling you into a relaxed state, and may trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. All this reduces your stress levels and helps you relax.

4. The beach boosts your immune system.

Doctors have been prescribing trips to the ocean for centuries, and for several excellent reasons. Sunlight gives you vitamin D, which helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Seawater contains several minerals and other compounds that help boost your immune system and rid your body of toxins. For example, seawater helps cuts heal faster (although it stings) and can even stop a runny nose. The waves contain iodine, which is great for your thyroid and subsequently boosts your immune system.

5. Even the air is good for you.

The air at the beach is thought to be chock-full of negative ions. Not only do these boost your immune system, but they also help balance your levels of serotonin. This improves your mood and reduces your stress levels, plus it helps you sleep better at night!

6. You’re more likely to exercise.

Sure, you could arrive at the beach and lay out in the sun all day. But chances are, you’re running around and swimming. As we said earlier, just walking on the beach is better for you than walking on pavement – and those benefits are magnified if you’re running. Swimming is also great for you because it’s a low-impact sport that’s easy on the joints and still burns tons of calories.

7. You’re more likely to eat seafood.

Like exercise, this isn’t a guarantee. But since seafood restaurants abound at the beach, you’re far more likely to step into one there. Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient lacking in many Americans’ diets. Omega-3 fatty acids have several health benefits, like reducing your risk of heart disease and regulating triglyceride levels in the blood.

8. The ocean gives you perspective.

When you stare out at the ocean, its sheer vastness makes you feel tiny. And that’s a great thing! Being at the ocean is therapeutic because it helps put your problems in perspective. This is a major boon to your mental health – and why picturing the ocean is so common in many relaxation exercises.

Almost everybody loves going to the beach. Turns out, there’s a reason! A day at the beach is not only fun, but it’s also incredibly good for your body. Here are 8 health benefits of heading to the beach.

1. It’s better to walk on sand.

Like walking barefoot on the sand? So does your body! Walking in sand stimulates the 200,000+ nerve endings on the soles of your feet. Because the ground beneath you is constantly shifting, you also use muscles in your feet you don’t use when you’re wearing shoes so you burn more calories. In fact, it takes double the energy to walk on sand than on a hard surface – so it’s great exercise!

2. The beach is good for your skin.

The sand isn’t just good for your feet! Sand is a natural exfoliant, so it rubs away dead skin and lets your pores breathe – clearing away blackheads and acne. But that’s not the only way the beach is good for your skin. The sun’s UV rays also dry out the skin, which is great for people who suffer from psoriasis. The salt and potassium chloride in seawater also helps heal dermatitis, a skin rash. Plus, seawater helps preserve the elasticity of the skin and contains magnesium which moisturizes your skin.

3. The sound of the ocean soothes you.

There’s a reason sound machines that lull you to sleep all have ocean soundtracks. Listening to waves crash against the shore can actually alter your brain waves, lulling you into a relaxed state, and may trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. All this reduces your stress levels and helps you relax.

4. The beach boosts your immune system.

Doctors have been prescribing trips to the ocean for centuries, and for several excellent reasons. Sunlight gives you vitamin D, which helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Seawater contains several minerals and other compounds that help boost your immune system and rid your body of toxins. For example, seawater helps cuts heal faster (although it stings) and can even stop a runny nose. The waves contain iodine, which is great for your thyroid and subsequently boosts your immune system.

5. Even the air is good for you.

The air at the beach is thought to be chock-full of negative ions. Not only do these boost your immune system, but they also help balance your levels of serotonin. This improves your mood and reduces your stress levels, plus it helps you sleep better at night!

6. You’re more likely to exercise.

Sure, you could arrive at the beach and lay out in the sun all day. But chances are, you’re running around and swimming. As we said earlier, just walking on the beach is better for you than walking on pavement – and those benefits are magnified if you’re running. Swimming is also great for you because it’s a low-impact sport that’s easy on the joints and still burns tons of calories.

7. You’re more likely to eat seafood.

Like exercise, this isn’t a guarantee. But since seafood restaurants abound at the beach, you’re far more likely to step into one there. Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient lacking in many Americans’ diets. Omega-3 fatty acids have several health benefits, like reducing your risk of heart disease and regulating triglyceride levels in the blood.

8. The ocean gives you perspective.

When you stare out at the ocean, its sheer vastness makes you feel tiny. And that’s a great thing! Being at the ocean is therapeutic because it helps put your problems in perspective. This is a major boon to your mental health – and why picturing the ocean is so common in many relaxation exercises.